Vino Bistro Uncorks in Virginia

For New Zealand-born sommelier and restaurateur Michael Pearce, his Vino Bistro concept seeks to bring fine dining and fine wine without the frills to the Village at Leesburg neighbourhood in Virginia, in the United States.

The proprietor of the popular wine house in Fairfax is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again with his first Loudoun County restaurant. Vino Bistro quietly opened to the public in November 2018, and celebrated its grand opening late last month.

The passion for hospitality and wine exudes through Pearce as he effortlessly lists the details that go into each item on the carefully constructed menu, as well as each wine he personally selects. The ample seating, with an extensive patio with outdoor seating for warm weather months, includes a 21-seat bar.

Pearce has a simple mantra for Vino Bistro: good value, fresh tasting food, and good service.

“The place will sell itself with the ambiance,” he said.

Despite the high quality of the food and wine available, Pearce insists Vino Bistro should not be considered a special occasion-only establishment.

“I see us more as a Wednesday night place,” he said – a casual environment yet upscale in terms of its quality of product.

Original article by LoudounNow, January 31, 2019.